VBK: Cheap Small-Cap Growth Exposure, But Risks Are High

Vanguard Small-Cap Growth Index Fund ETF offers diversified small-cap growth exposure with a 0.07% expense ratio and ~$39B AUM. VBK tracks the CRSP US Small Cap Growth Index, emphasizing fundamental growth metrics over momentum, and rebalances quarterly. Tech, industrials, and healthcare dominate VBK's sector allocation, reflecting long-duration and cyclical growth exposure coupled with non-cyclical drivers.

Seeking Alpha • Jan 25, 2026

Better Small-Cap ETF: Vanguard's VBK vs. Invesco's RZG

The Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF offers a much lower expense ratio and larger assets under management than Invesco S&P SmallCap 600 Pure Growth ETF. RZG edges out VBK on one-year total return but both showed nearly identical drawdowns and long-term growth.

The Motley Fool • Jan 19, 2026

Vanguard VBK vs. iShares IJT: How These Small-Cap Growth ETFs Compare on Fees, Risk, and Returns

The Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF charges a lower expense ratio than the iShares S&P Small-Cap 600 Growth ETF. VBK has outperformed on one-year returns but experienced a deeper max drawdown over the past five years.

The Motley Fool • Jan 18, 2026

Better Small-Cap Growth ETF: Vanguard's VBK vs. State Street's SLYG

VBK charges a lower expense ratio and holds a much larger asset base than SLYG. VBK has delivered a higher 1-year total return but experienced a deeper five-year drawdown.

The Motley Fool • Jan 11, 2026

Should Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF (VBK) Be on Your Investing Radar?

The Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF (VBK) was launched on January 26, 2004, and is a passively managed exchange traded fund designed to offer broad exposure to the Small Cap Growth segment of the US equity market.

Zacks Investment Research • Dec 23, 2025

XSMO's Momentum Edge: A Better Bet Than VBK's Broad Growth

Invesco S&P SmallCap Momentum ETF (XSMO) is rated a buy, while Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF (VBK) is rated a hold. XSMO's momentum strategy delivers higher long-term returns and better risk-adjusted performance than VBK's passive growth approach. Despite higher fees, XSMO justifies its cost with superior returns, lower drawdowns, and more attractive valuations compared to VBK.

Seeking Alpha • Oct 29, 2025

5 Best ETFs To Diversify For Volatility And Falling Rates

The best ETFs to diversify for volatility and falling interest rates include high-quality large caps, small-cap growth, international equities, and gold. The macro environment points to mild stagflation, but there's no recession in sight, allowing investors to balance caution with optimism in a resilient market, despite some economic weakness. Although the first few months following the Fed's initial rate cut have historically been volatile, equities tend to push higher over the next six to 12 months.

Seeking Alpha • Sep 23, 2025

VBK: Tech Tilt Without Turbo

VBK has struggled to deliver consistent growth outperformance, especially in the current high-rate environment, trailing alternatives like IWO post-pandemic. Sector allocation differences—VBK's tech tilt versus IWO's healthcare and fintech—have contributed to recent underperformance and muted returns. Small-cap growth, and VBK specifically, face headwinds from lackluster investor interest and a risk-reward profile inferior to large caps.

Seeking Alpha • Aug 5, 2025

VBK Can Offer Appealing Small-Cap Exposure For The Next Rate Cut

VBK offers diversified, low-cost exposure to small-cap growth stocks, making it attractive ahead of potential Fed rate cuts in late 2025. Small caps historically outperform during rate-cut cycles, and improving trade and manufacturing conditions further support the investment case for VBK. Despite recent underperformance versus the S&P 500, VBK's sector mix and policy tailwinds position it for stronger relative returns going forward.

Seeking Alpha • Aug 4, 2025

3 Growth-Focused ETFs That Look Very Attractive Right Now

It's probably safe to say that most investors aren't buying exchange traded funds (ETFs) for the growth potential they can provide.

24/7 Wall Street • May 17, 2025